Welcome to "Live" @ Ben's Next Door, the D.C. home of local and national independant artists. At Next Door, we provide the venue and the audience for artists to showcase themselves, their music and their talents to a new audience...you. And what do you get out of the deal? You get to hear an amazing playlist of music while you chill and dine daily and nightly, get to meet great independant artists, get to purchase signed copies of their CD's, and get free, soulful and spirited live musical performances. Our MISSION at Ben's Next Door is to re-connect the Artist to the People. Continuing a tradition of over 50 years of Creation and Innovation in the Culinary and Performing Arts while introducing the community to NEW FLAVOR PROFILES for their belly and ears. There is NEVER A COVER CHARGE for the performances at Ben's Next Door. Thank you for your contribution to the NEXT Chapter In Washington DC's True U St. Experience and Tradition. And now...calling great DJ's! If you are a great DJ who knows the flow of Next Door and wants to add to it while showcasing yourself Wednesdays are your nights. To our wonderful patrons, check the list below to see our new guest DJ line up. Once again it's who's Next? @ Next Door! If you are an artist or DJ and wish to be showcased at Next Door please email play@bensnextdoor.com |
| UPCOMING PERFORMANCES! | Thursday, January 14th - Alison Carney
Sunday, January 17th - Artist Jay Luke Tuesday, January 19th - Fatso
Tuesday, January 26th - Midian
Tuesday, February 2nd - Mr. Higgs
Tuesday, February 16th - V. Rich Monday, February 15th - Nina Storey
Tuesday, February 23rd - Tamara Wellons Monday, March 1st - Kenny Wesley
Tuesday, March 2nd - Jade Tuesday, March 9th - Carter Anderson Wednesday, March 10th - DJ Silver Tuesday, March 16th - Ihsan Bilal Wednesday, March 17th - DJ 2-Tone Jones Tuesday, March 23rd - Kev O. Wednesday, March 24th - DJ Conscience Tuesday, March 30th - Mycah Chevalier Sunday, April 4th - Chris Bryant Tuesday, April 6th - Desiree Jordan Tuesday, April 13th - Green Tea Tuesday, April 20th - Afi Soul Wednesday, April 21st - DJ 2-Tone Jones Tuesday, April 27th - Tamika "Love" Jones Tuesday, May 4th - Wes Felton Tueaday, May 11th - Deborah Bond Tuesday, May 18th - Levi Stevens Wednesday, May 19th - DJ Kyle Murdock Tuesday, May 25th - Nisha Wednesday, May 26st - DJ 2-Tone Jones Tuesday, June 1 - Terrence Cunningham Tuesday, June 8th - Lauren White Wednesday, June 9th - DJ 2-Tone Jones Tuesday, June 15th - Wendy McIntyre Wednesday, June 16th - DJ 2-Tone Jones Tuesday, June 22nd - Shelita Vaughn Wednesday, June 23rd- DJ 2-Tone Jones Tuesday, June 29th - Megan Livingston Wednesday, June 30th - DJ 2-Tone Jones Tuesday, July 6th - J. Hill Tuesday, July 13th - Tao of Slick MONDAY, July 19th - HESTON Tuesday, July 20th - Collette Tuesday, July 27th - Abby Dobson Tuesday, August 3rd - Kenny Wesley Tuesday, August 10th - Chinah Blac Tuesday, August 17th - Rona Rawls Tuesday, August 24th - Guilty Pleasures |
 | DJ 2-Tone Jones
Performing June 9, 16, 23, 30, 2010
A true fundamentals DJ, 2-Tone Jones speaks with his hands as in the tradition of Hip-Hop’s founding element, and through his bottomless crates has rocked parties from LA to NY on down to the ATL and even out in Europe. On the performance side 2-Tone has shared the stage, and spun alongside, the likes of Raheem DeVaughn, Brand Nubian, Raekwon, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Algebra Blessett, Camp Lo, and Phil Ade. From 2005-07 he was also the DJ-in-residence for Shaman Work Recordings, an independent Hip-Hop music label whose roster included CL Smooth, MF Doom, Wale Oyejide, John Robinson, Scienz of Life, and others. Currently, on Monday nights from 10-11pm 2-Tone serves as a resident DJ, co-engineer, and co-host for a progressive hip-hop radio show called Ill Street Grooves, part of the Decipher hip-hop strip on DC’s own WPFW 89.3 FM/Pacifica Radio. He is also a resident DJ at the famed W Hotel in Washington, DC. Along with a handful of D.C.’s most talented visual artists, Mr. Jones is a member of a cuttin -edge art troupe/marketing group known as AM Radio: Artwork Mbilashaka. 2-Tone also performs as a member of a live band called Sound of the City (SOTC). And during the day he teaches Sound Production and Engineering at Ballou Senior High School. So be on the listen-out for 2-Tone Jones thru a speaker near you.
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 Wendy McIntyre
Performing June 15, 2010
Wendy McIntyre has been sharing her gift with audiences all over the DC area, and throughout the region, since she began singing professionally in 2000. She is known for her smooth, soulful delivery of contemporary R&B songs with splashes of jazz and neo-soul thrown in for good measure. Not only a talented vocalist and performer, Wendy is also known for her songwriting abilities, having written or co-written every song on her debut EP, The.Anthem, released in 2009.
The.Anthem fluently conveys the artistry of a woman, through an introspective collection of R&B songs, set against a backdrop of thought-provoking lyrics and lush orchestration. The.Anthem is the soundtrack of Wendy McIntyre’s life and times.
Wendy has performed at various venues including: Twins Jazz, Old Post Office Pavilion, Teavolve, and numerous events such as Mad Jazz Poetry, NCNW’s Black Family Reunion Celebration, Can A Sista Rock A Mic, AFRAM and Artscape to name a few. Most recently she was featured on Gypsy Soul’s; “Ear Candy, Volume 2”. To purchase her debut EP and learn more about Wendy and the “Lady Soul Singer Movement” visit her online at: Wendy McIntyre is the Ladysoulsinger on Facebook. Her debut EP is available at CD Baby, iTunes, VCast Music, Rhapsody and all your favorite digital media outlets. |
 Shelita
Performing June 22, 2010
Someone asks, “Shelita, what exactly is it that pushes you forward?” She immediately answers, “I don’t know? I feel as if I’m on the verge of something big you know. Bigger than me in a surreal sort of way! I’m not sure how or when it will happen but I feel it!” explains Alternative R&B singer/songwriter Shelita Vaughns. Perhaps one would feel it’s too much of a cliché to say, "Shelita has that rare IT factor or that she is THE NEXT BIG THING!" Guess what? One would be lying if they said she wasn’t! She is a rare songbird with a classic and timeless sweet, sultry sound. “I feel as if with every 5 steps I take forward there is always something trying to knock me 6 steps back. But for some reason I don’t care, as crazy as it seems I feel as if I’m paying my dues, if you know what I mean,” says Ms. Vaughns, as she rushes off to perform songs from her first project, SWEET THOUGHTS at her cozy Lower East Side regular venue in New York City.
Growing up in Houston, Texas her inspirations have stemmed from greats such as Diana Ross, Sade and Whitney Houston. Her melodic voice and sexy stage presence has enabled her to perform and grace such venues as The Blue Note and perform with the world renowned Negro Ensemble Theater Company in New York City, which paved the way for Hall of Fame Legends such as Denzel Washington, Phylicia Rashad and Sydney Poitier.
Since the completion of her first EP and modest down south tour in Texas, Louisiana, and Atlanta, this Alternative R&B singer has been working on her album appropriately titled, SWEET THOUGHTS. “It’s a collection of live instruments such as trumpet, saxophone, cello, guitar and simple words that speaks so much to me and others. It’s a relatable album that tackles love, peace and happiness literally!” she explains as she walks off the stage in smiles and out of breath. Her jazzy song, Tasty is tantalizing and seductive. “I love performing that song because it always catches everyone off guard every time. It’s like I’m so not that girl in the song, but I get the chance to be a different person as I am singing it. Which is so much fun!” she explains. Her vulnerability, authenticity and intimate words allows her performances and her music to convey a naked sound, which in return allows her to embrace the artist within, catapulting this IT factor into what critics are raving is on the verge of becoming the Alternative R&B worlds NEXT BIG THING. |
 Megan Livingston
Performing June 29, 2010
Megan Livingston the vocalist has developed over the years through the intimacy of self-study in a vibrant mix of genres, instruction in classical and contemporary choral music, instruction in musical theatre performance, a capella arranging & performance and working as a professional singer providing backing vocals to several contemporary solo artists. Megan Livingston is also one half of the futuristic fusion ensemble known as: The Tao of Slick. Megan Livingston has been singing for most of her life and her singing is informed by, and closely related to, her dancing, speaking, writing, acting, cooking, knitting, studying, sewing, working, reading, joking, driving, brooding, teaching and most importantly, her loving. love is the central theme for this "always on" artist. love as it is desegregated from all things. Megan Livingston is a passionate believer in the idea that community art is a first step on the road to peace and would like to invite everyone on earth to be creative whenever they get the feeling to. Megan Livingston is bliss in human form. The One- from the album Black Beckee by Megan Livingston
Best Friend- Megan Livingston Live Performance- Baltimore, Maryland March 31st, 2010
Press:
Baltimore Citypaper- March 2010
This Is RealMusic.com |
 J Hill
Performing July 6, 2010
It's my dream to share MY life lessons through the gift of song. I believe that every story, -- good, bad, and ugly -- can be told best through music. Music makes even the hardest pain easier to bear." I'm a singer first and foremost, a songwriter, and just an overall entertainer. I would like people to get personal with me and not have people get personal with a 'bio'. I enjoy what I do and I know wherever I perform I leave a lasting impression on the public. As a child I was known for entertaining my family and friends with my vocals and crazy performances. Whenever family was invited over they demanded I do my Michael Jackson impersonation. My mother, who is my greatest role model and a beautiful alto in her own right, has always encouraged me to utilize my talent. I joined a few choirs here and there but mainly stayed in the studio working on my talent. Honest music is the brand that best describes my musical sound. By merging MY greatest influences, such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Donnie Hathaway, with modern talents, the likes of Stokely, Kenny Greene, D'Angelo and countless others, I have tried to create a mature and graceful sound. I truly believe my dynamic musical journey has only just begun. I've been blessed to share the stage with many talented people and look forward to working with many more. Having the opportunity to tour Asia was amazing knowing that honest music brings wonderful people together and allows the public to witness this synergy. I really want to thank everyone for supporting me and the people I work with. I do this 'thing' called music out of love and I hope it shows each time I step on the stage. One last thing, if you haven't had the chance to see my show yet then my suggestion is, "you betta ask somebody". Thanx 4 the Love!! |
 The Tao of Slick
Performing July 13, 2010
The Tao of Slick is a futuristic vision of the concept of balance, harmony and sonic medicine. In Piankhi 7, Thur Deephrey, and Hazel Black we have opposites coming together with seamless integration. Underneath it all, Thur Deephrey lays a quilt painstakingly stiched from bits and pieces of the great jazz era, threading his record player's needle with the precision and dedication not just an executor, but also of a true fan. Piankhi 7, a wordsmith of unrivaled skill and precision, delivers the blows of a warrior, sending rhymes with the speed of bullets directly into the minds of those brave enough to listen closely. No matter if he spits of love or war, they are made casualties all in the name of truth. If Piankhi is the action, the force and the storm, then Hazel Black is the meditation. She breathes in the suffering of not only herself, but her whole human family, and out she breathes our joy. Together they lay waste to entire populations, then clear the way for solid restoration. Liquid Light- from The Tao of Slick album: Jazzhall-Epitome of Epiphany
The Tao of Slick- from The Tao of Slick album: Jazzhall-Epitome of Epiphany
Press:
This Is Real Music
Goverment Names |
 Collette
Performing July 20, 2010
Collette is an r&b/soul singer from South Carolina. Her jazzy vocals and hip-hop sensibility combine for an exciting debut entitled “Experience Collette” available now initunes.com. The entirely self-written and partially self-produced CD project is an honest offering from a young, sincere singer. With tracks such as “Live Your Life” and the single “You Don’t Know,” Collette writes of real life experiences with an overall positive outlook on life. The product of a gospel singing mother, Collette bares her soul with each performance. Videos and pictures are available online at www.myspace.com/experiencecollette or at www.experiencecollette.com. |
 Abby Dobson
Performing July 27, 2010
Some singers need to be surrounded by a variety of equipment to move people, but this powerful artist simply needs an audience. She is one of those rare songbirds that effortlessly stimulate sensual, soulful and raw emotions using just her vocal instrument, a voice that you don’t just hear…you feel it. Drawing on a wealth of musical influences, from Mozart, Whitney Houston, Sarah Vaughn, Dolly Parton, and many more which is why Abby’s sound is the alchemy of soul, folk, jazz, gospel, R&B, country, rock and pop, forging a gem that erases musical boundaries in its making.
In 2009, Abby won BlackPlanet.com’s Soul Music Contest. The victory afforded Abby the opportunity to open for Common and Robin Thicke at The Soul Music Festival in Aruba. Abby is no assembly line artist. No gimmicks. No studio manufactured antics. She is to soulful music an innovative and compelling force, a tender voice bringing people together…bringing you joy… through the gift of song
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 Kenny Wesley
Performing August 3, 2010
He sings with the tenderness of a soul crooner, and in the same breath, with incredible agility and freedom. Kenny Wesley is the young new face of contemporary and jazz music. Originally from Jacksonville, North Carolina, Kenny was barely a toddler when he started singing, and by age 9 he had already created his first compositions for voice and piano. His love for music and foreign languages - he speaks three languages fluently - led him to Howard University where he majored in Spanish. By his senior year he had written over twenty songs and had his eyes set on a career in the music industry. In May of 2008, his vision materialized with the release of his debut single, “I'm Sorry" which relates an earnest plea of forgiveness to the listener. “People have so many ulterior motives for forging relationships and friendships. I wanted a song that would convey this concept in a sincere, gentle kind of way.” His love for music and other cultures has taken him around the world where he has performed before presidents, dignitaries, heads of state, and high-profile celebrities. Kenny has opened for Anthony David and has shared the stage with several national recording artists such as Yolanda Adams, Gordon Chambers Mike Phillips, Jimmy Sommers, Vikter Duplaix, Anthony David and Jean Carne. His songs have been featured by a host of worldwide media outlets to include: ABC’s “The View”, WHUR FM, Music Choice, Clear Channel’s Discovery! New, African Rhythms (UBC Radio), 4DaSoul, SoulUnsigned, FunkyPeopleRadio, IAC, Fusions Radio, RadioIO, Candy Randy Radio, StarpointRadio.com, Street Access Radio, BounceRadio.net, Classic Soul 1075.com, WINR Radio, WBRS Radio, WDJR.net, Cross Tracks, kemetradio.com, Mallee Border Radio, WCH Radio, Good Morning Arizona!, the Holiday Magic CD Compilation, last.fm, Itunes, and the All Digital Radio Network. The world has not yet seen all the greatness that will emerge out of Kenny's life. Don't worry though: He hasn't stopped dreaming. In the world of Kenny Wesley, all things are possible.
"Kenny's tenor is Hathaway deep, Luther warm and, in terms of color, could only be described as golden. Truly an anointing moment whenever he and a microphone cross paths. "
-Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Gordon Chambers
"Let me tell y’all, lord this chile can SANG. If you ever get a chance to see him in and around your part of town, go take the show in."
-Ann Marie Collymore AKA "Tha Connoisseur ", Soulafrodisiac.com Instrumentation
Kenny Wesley - Vocals/Piano
-Percussion
-Drums
-Keyboards
-Bass
-Guitar Discography
Epiphany - (single) 2004
Brothers and Sisters - (single) 2006
I'm Sorry - (single) 2007
I'm Sorry - (EP) 2008
Serenity - (single) 2008
All an Illusion - (single) 2009 Links
http://www.myspace.com/kennywesley |
 W. Ellington FeltonNext Door's Creative DirectorW. Ellington Felton is the son of jazz pianist Hilton Felton, music is in his veins, Its tempting to describe W. Ellington Felton with slashes: Hes a singer/ poet/ actor/emcee. Crowned the future folk-soul hero by Complex Magazine for his vocals on Prince Pauls Politics of the Business album, Ellington is using every weapon in his arsenal to resuscitate soul music. Hes a real talented brother, a Renaissance cat, who paints, writes, does books. Hes one of those Sammy Davis, Jr. types, but on kind of a millennium style, Prince Paul says of W. Ellington Felton, or Dub Ell, as hes known in his native Washington, DC.
Ellington knows that poems often make the best songs. His hip-hop rhapsodies paint vivid images that engage, and sometimes unnerve listeners. There's no element of originality, or surprise, or spontaneity. The only thing I try to consciously do with music...is try to figure out ways to push the buttons. And of course, he writes lots and lots of stories about lovefalling in it, getting over it, and making it work. Rather than the sappy, clich-ridden variety, Ellingtons songs address the complexities of love in real life. On the track Love is Somethin More from his 2002 CD Soul Sonnets he admonishes, Love is somethin more/Than love songs, love poems, and temporary highs. People are taking his music to heart. I get very specific comments in terms of the individual, Ellington says of his fans reactions, which range from you saved my marriage and you helped me get over a divorce.
Having performed on the Lollapalooza tour and at the Apollo Theater as a teenager, Ellington is as comfortable on stage with Mos Def, De La Soul, and Meshell Ndegocello as he was in the smoky, candlelit cafs of his open mic days. He quickly gained a following on Washingtons poetry circuit with his confessional lyrics, quirky pitch, and spontaneous style, also shared the stage with his mentor UK Soul legend Omar. When hes not making music, Ellington commands the spotlight as a classically trained actor. check out his youtube page for music and videos directed by w.ellington
http://www.youtube.com/dubell202 |
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